Britannia Row opts for L-Acoustics L-ISA for Classic Brits 2018

Britannia Row opted for L-Acoustics’ L-ISA system for the rejuvenated Classic Brits on June 13.

The L-ISA system enables the sound engineer to place instruments in their correct positions relative to the the listeners.

“It came about because we were keen to try the L-Acoustic L-ISA system,” said head of live sound for the Brits, Colin Pink. “The Royal Albert Hall were also keen to hear it. Initially myself and Brit Row MD Bryan Grant went to L-Acoustics’ place in Highgate to hear at demonstration of the system. We suggested to them this could be a good introduction for all concerned; a win, win situation.”

A completely different approach to rigging a system was required for the set-up, with the multiple loudspeaker hangs positioned right across the top of the performance platform. “It worked very well and scheduling was on our side,” explained Pink. “Angus and Julia Stone were due to perform on the Sunday before the Classic Brits and as a Brit Row client this meant we were able to pre-rig the L-ISA system and have a good work-out with it.”

The rigging system changes reduced the problem of sightlines for cameras. “Fundamentally it goes across the front of stage,” continued Pink. “We had five main hangs across the top of what you might consider the prosc’ position and two side hangs.”

All loudspeakers that Brit Row used were L-Acoustics Kara with a centre cluster of KS28 subs.

“Normally you might do two long hangs of K1 left and right, maybe 18 cabinets a side, with corresponding pair of side hangs (maybe K2). This in contrast was more hangs but shorter arrays and over-all less kit, and more distributed weight loading for the same energy of sound delivery.”

“The amazing thing is the off-axis imaging; you get the sense of the placement across the whole of stage from most positions in the audience bowl that in turn, improves clarity. To be honest the benefits were even better than I had expected,” concluded Pink.